“Escape competition through authenticity.” Basically, when you’re competing with people, it’s because you’re copying them.

Ironically, the people who create fulfilling lives and careers—the ones we respect, admire and try to emulate—choose an alternative path to success. They have a powerful sense of identity. They don’t worry about differentiating themselves from the competition or obsess about telling the right story. They tell the real story instead.

When pursuing a 1-of-1 vision, you aren’t going to be the most popular or celebrated person. You’re going to be an oddity that the most in-the-know people — who are especially aware of social status and trends — will dismiss. But even though these cultural influencers shape the opinions of others (you pay attention to them, after all), they are not